Methods for shortening a line, extracting stuck vehicles, belaying objects, joining lines together and forming a v-bridle using a device

ABSTRACT

A device for use with one or more lines that includes a unitary rigid body having an annular portion surrounding a central opening and at least four finger sections that extend from the annular portion of the rigid body. A first finger section and a second finger section curve toward each other on one end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. Similarly, a third finger section and a fourth finger section curve toward each other on an opposite end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The device maximizes the pulling strength of lines while reducing the possibility of line failure. Also disclosed are methods of using the device for shortening a line, belaying an object, joining two lines together and for forming a V-bridle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/382,437, filed Apr. 12, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,982,732, which isa continuation of International Application PCT/US2019/013171, filedJan. 11, 2019, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No.62/617,192, filed Jan. 13, 2018.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of Invention

In many applications, it is desirable to shorten a line (e.g. a rope).One such application is in vehicle recovery using a winch, because awinch exerts its maximum pulling power on the first layer of linerecovered on the winch drum.

There are essentially two types of vehicle recovery operations using awinch: one which uses another vehicle's winch to recover the stuckvehicle; and one which uses the stuck vehicle's own winch(self-recovery).

In the first type of recovery operation, the stuck vehicle serves as anattachment point for the winch line and/or for a winch line extensionthat comes from the recovery vehicle. In this case the recovery vehicleis preferably positioned for optimal winch pulling power and some takeout slack. When the recovery vehicle cannot be optimally positioned, aline-shortening device can be used. This might occur, for example, whenthe stuck vehicle is mired in a swamp. The recovery vehicle can bepositioned on a bank or other suitable ground surface, and the winchline from the recovery vehicle can be unspooled. It may be necessary toattach a winch line extension to reach the stuck vehicle. Aline-shortening device can then be used to shorten the winch lineextension appropriately so that the winch can exert maximum pullingpower to pull out the stuck vehicle. After the first pull it may bepossible to reach the stuck vehicle with the winch line. If not, thewinch line can be unspooled again, and the winch line extension can beshortened using the line-shortening device for a second pull. This willallow the winch to exert maximum pulling power on the second pull.

The same general principles apply in self-recovery operations. In thiscase the winch line and/or winch line extension extending from the winchof the stuck vehicle is attached to an anchor. This anchor could beanother vehicle, a tree or essentially any structure or object suitableto withstand the load of the stuck vehicle extracting itself using itsown winch. In this instance, the line (winch line and/or a winch lineextension) can be shortened to allow the winch on the stuck vehicle toexert maximum pulling power to free the stuck vehicle. As in the priorcase, the shortening operation can be done repeatedly until the vehiclehas recovered itself.

In both circumstances previously described (and with reference to FIGS.1-8), it is conventional to use a “dog bone” device 40 and a “daisychain knot” 50 to shorten the line 10 (winch line or winch lineextension). FIG. 1 shows a free-running line 10 that is about to bepulled upwardly through a loop 20 (the loop and the free-running lineextend from the left from an anchor point, which could be the stuckvehicle or some other suitable anchor). FIG. 2 shows the free-runningline 10 being pulled upwardly through the loop 20. FIG. 3 shows furtherprogress of pulling the free-running line 10 through the loop 20. FIG. 4shows a bend 30 being formed. FIG. 5 shows the bend 30 from a differentperspective. FIG. 6 shows a conventional “dog bone” device 40 beinginserted below the free-running line 10, but through the bend 30. FIG. 7shows the “dog bone” device 40 fully inserted. And, FIG. 8 shows thefully inserted “dog bone” device 40 from above.

Although this arrangement is conventional, it can present problems. Forexample, in heavy load applications, the “daisy chain knot” 50 and the“dog bone” device 40 result in the formation of a “bight-on-a-bight” onthe three-line side 70 of the “dog bone” device 40. In the context ofthis invention, a “bight” is understood to refer to where a firstsection of line is folded over a second section of line and in so doing“bites” or “locks down” on the second section of line to preventslippage of the second section of line when the lines (and particularlythe free-running line) are brought under tension. If tension on thethree lines on the three-line side 70 of the “dog bone” device 40 is notproperly equalized when the “dog bone” device 40 is inserted, then whenforce is applied the bight or bights in the bight-on-bight can creep,which sometimes leads to line breakage. Another significant problem withuse of the conventional “dog bone” device is that the “dog bone” devicecan become dislodged from (i.e., can fall out of) the line if the linegoes slack. This results in the line no longer being contained by the“dog bone” device and any shortening that was being accomplished by the“dog bone” device coming undone. This can produce catastrophic resultssuch as the vehicle being recovered rolling uncontrollably down a hillas the line uncontrollably unravels.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device for use with one or more linesand methods of using same. The device and method can be used toshortening a line much faster than through the use of a conventional“dog bone” device, and completely eliminates the bight-on-bight problemsmentioned above. Tension on the three lines extending from the inventivedevice can self-equalize via permitted slippage without risk of linebreakage or the device coming free from the line. Several methods ofusing the inventive device are also disclosed.

The foregoing and other features of the invention are hereinafter morefully described below, the following description setting forth in detailcertain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these beingindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the present invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the accompanying drawing figures, please note that:

FIGS. 1-8 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially show aprior art “dog bone” device being inserted in a line as part of aline-shortening operation;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an exemplary device for use withone or more lines according to the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a front side and right side view of the deviceshown in FIG. 9, with dimensions;

FIGS. 11-22 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device being used in a line-shortening method according tothe invention;

FIGS. 23 and 24 show exemplary anchors and/or connectors;

FIGS. 25-32 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device being used in a belaying method according to theinvention;

FIGS. 33-40 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device being used in a method to join lines or winch lineextensions according to the invention; and

FIGS. 41-49 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device being used in a V-bridle method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an exemplarydevice 100 according to the invention. The device 100 is a unitary rigidbody preferably formed of a high strength metal alloy, such as 6061-T651aluminum. However, it will be appreciated that other alloys/materialscould also be used within the spirit of the invention. For example, itis envisioned that non-metallic materials (e.g., high-strength polymericmaterials and/or carbon fiber composites) could also be used.

The device 100 includes a central opening 110, which in the illustratedembodiment is circular. The device 100 also includes four fingersections 120 a-120 d (which are sometimes referred to as first, second,third and fourth finger sections). The finger sections 120 a-120 d haveblunt tips 130 a-130 d. The blunt tips 130 a, 130 b of finger sections120 a, 120 b, generally face toward each other on one side of the device100. The blunt tips 130 c, 130 d of finger sections 120 c 120 d,generally face toward each other on the opposite side of the device 100.There is a gap 140 a between the blunt tips 130 a, 130 b of fingersections 120 a, 120 b, and a gap 140 b between the blunt tips 130 c, 130d of finger sections 120 c 120 d. The gaps 140 a, 140 b are at least aswide as a diameter of a line or lines to be used with the device 100.The finger sections 120 a-120 d are preferably curved, have no sharpedges and extend from a generally annular structure 150 that bears anddefines the central opening 110. The device 100 preferably includes noedges that could damage a line, and has surfaces that allow a line toslide, slip or glide when the device 100 is attached to a line withoutdamaging the line. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of thedevice 100 will be determined, in large measure, by the diameter of theline or lines to be used with the device 100. In other words, the largerthe diameter of the line, the larger the device 100 that should be used(and vice versa).

FIGS. 10A and 10B provide a front plan view and a right side view,respectively, of a device 100 according to the invention showingpreferred dimensions (in inches) for synthetic winch lines having adiameter of ⅜ inches to 7/16 inches (˜9 mm to 11 mm). As discussed inthe following paragraph, in a “bight on a bight” situation, the bendradius of the line in a “bight on a bight” situation is the diameter ofthe line itself. This is less than optimal (i.e., the bend radius on theline is too small and can lead to line damage). The minimum acceptablebend radius to avoid damage to a line is at least about 2 times thediameter of the line (i.e., ≥˜2 times the line diameter), and morepreferably at least about 3 times the diameter of the line (i.e., ≥˜3times the line diameter). The device 100 according to the invention notonly eliminates the “bight on a bight” situation when used, but it alsofeatures smooth line contacting surfaces that predefine and limit thebend radius on the line from being less than the minimum acceptable bendradius and thus prevents damage to the line. The smoothness of the linecontact surfaces also allows the line so slide and thus self-equilibratetension on the line or lines when a load is applied.

FIGS. 11-22 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device 100 being used in a line-shortening methodaccording to the invention. In particular, FIG. 11 shows an individualholding a free-running line 210 and a loop 220, both of which extendfrom an anchor (exemplary anchors are shown in FIGS. 23 and 24). In FIG.11, the individual is holding the free-running line 210 in his righthand 222, and the loop 220 in his left hand 224 (the particular handused is not important, and either can be used). The anchor could be aconventional “daisy chain knot”. But this is not preferred. In a “daisychain knot”, the line is essentially looped over itself and on itselfcreating a “bight on a bight” situation. The point of contact puts a lotof pressure on a small surface area, which reduces the load capacity ofthe line and creates an undesired risk of line damage. The bend radiusof the line in the “bight on a bight” situation is the line diameteritself, which is less than optimal (i.e., it is too small). Thus, it ismore preferable to eliminate the use of “daisy chain knots” entirely,and install the device 100 on a free-running line and loop extendingfrom an anchor that does not include a “bight” or a “bight on a bight”on the line (e.g., an eye-bolt, screw pin bow shackle or other vehiclerecovery point). FIG. 12 shows the loop 220 (held in the left hand 224)about to be inserted through the central opening 110 of the device 100(being held in the right hand 222). FIG. 13 shows the loop 220 passingthrough the central opening 110 of the device 100. FIG. 14 shows theloop 220 being spread apart and a part thereof being positioned aroundfinger section 120 b of the device 100. FIG. 15 shows another part ofthe loop 220 positioned around a finger section 120 c on the same sideof the device, but on the opposite end thereof (it will be appreciatedthat finger sections 120 a and 120 d could have been used). FIG. 16shows the device 100 after the loop 220 has been installed properly.FIG. 17 shows a new loop 230 being formed in the free running line 210.FIG. 18 shows the newly formed loop 230 in the free running line 210being pushed through the central opening 110 of the device 100. FIG. 19shows the newly formed loop being spread apart and positioned behind afinger section 120 a on the other side of the device from where the loop220 was previously installed. FIG. 20 shows the newly formed loop 230 inthe free running line 210 being positioned behind the last fingersection 120 d where it will pass through the gap 140 b between the tips130 c, 130 d of the fingers on that end of the device 100. FIG. 21 showsthe free-running line 210 being pulled outwardly (to the left toward theinstaller) from the device 100. The smooth surfaces of the device 100and the absence of bights on a bight allows all of the lines to slide,as needed, to equilibrate the tension thereon as force is drawn on thefree-running line 210 (e.g., by a winch). FIG. 22 shows another view(rear side) of the device 100 and lines attached thereto.

As noted above, there is no “bight-on-a-bight” when a line is installedon the device 100 as described above. The lines are free to adjust andequilibrate when force is drawn on the line. The smoothness of thedevice and the separation of the lines facilitates this movement, andthus there is no possibility of breakage due to a bight “creeping” overanother bight. As previously noted above, it is preferable that thedevice be installed to eliminate “daisy chain knots” in all instances,as “daisy chain knots” inherently create a “bight” on a line andelimination thereof retains line capacity. But the device can be usedafter a “daisy chain knot” if necessary or desired.

The hands used to install the loop and new loop on the device are notimportant, and either can be used. Similarly, it is not importantwhether the loop 220 or the new loop 230 are installed on the device 100first, or whether or not the loop 220 and new loop pass 230 through thecentral opening 110 from the same or opposite sides of the device 100.In the illustrated embodiment, the loop 220 was installed first, and thenew loop 230 was installed second from the same side of the device 100.But this is largely an issue of preference, and the order and directioncan be reversed without adversely affecting the performance of thedevice and method.

It will be appreciated that once the device is installed, the device isessentially “locked” to the line. Thus, unlike a conventional “dog bone”that can fall out when tension is temporarily reduced on the line, thedevice according to the invention stays in place until it ispurposefully unfastened. This can be very important in vehicle recoveryapplications.

For example, sometimes a winch line is used to pull a functioning, butstuck, vehicle up a hill. In such instances, the stuck vehicle maysuddenly and temporarily gain enough traction to drive itself up thehill for a short distance while the winch is still operating. The speedof the stuck vehicle driving under its own power can exceed the rate atwhich the winch is retrieving the line. This results in slack in thewinch line. This slack can allow a conventional “dog bone” to fall out.If the stuck vehicle once again loses traction and/or power and can nolonger move itself up the hill, the stuck vehicle may begin sliding backdown the hill. If the “dog bone” fell out when the line went slack, apotentially catastrophic situation can occur. By the time the stuckvehicle reaches the full length of the winch line (i.e., by the timeeach “daisy chain” knot unravelling behind the missing “dog bone” hasunraveled), the speed the stuck vehicle sliding down the hill could beso great that it would result in a massive shock load on the system thatcould break the line and/or the equipment/anchor it is attached thereto.Furthermore, the vehicle being recovered could then proceed farther downthe hill and be irretrievably lost.

The device according to the invention does not fall out when tension istemporarily reduced or removed. Thus, in the event a stuck vehicle wasable to drive a short period of time under its own power and then losetraction and slide back down, the only distance that the stuck vehiclewould slide is the amount of slack not yet taken up by the winch. Thus,the device and method according to the invention is much safer thanconventional “dog bone” systems.

Another feature of the invention is the ease by which the device can beinstalled and inspected after it has been installed. Unlike aconventional “dog bone”, It is no longer necessary to maintain tensionon the device to permit inspection. The installed device can be set onthe ground, and inspection can be made at a later time. And inspectionis simplified by the clear arrangement of the lines in the device(particularly when both the loop and the new loop are inserted throughthe central opening from the same side).

As noted above, the line to be shortened preferably extends from ananchor point. The anchor point can have any suitable configuration. FIG.23 shows a device 100 according to the invention above a tree saver 300(also known as a “recovery strap”) to which a soft shackle 310 has beeninstalled (middle). A line 210 to be shortened extends from the softshackle 310 (to the right). FIG. 24 shows another exemplary anchorpoint. In this instance, the anchor is a vehicle 400 recovery point anda screw pin bow shackle 410.

Another feature of the invention is that the central opening 110 allowsa safety lanyard 223 (see FIG. 22) to be connected to the device 100 andto the free-running line 210 passing through the device 100. Thus, ifthere was a line failure, the device would remain tethered to thefree-running line via the safety lanyard, and would not be launched asan uncontrolled projectile.

FIGS. 25-32 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device being used in a belaying method according to theinvention. In the illustrated embodiment, a large vehicle serves as ananchor 540, which will be used to belay an object (e.g., lighter vehicle500). Belay in this context could mean lowering the object 500 down aslope, or holding the object 500 secure from movement down a slope whilework is being done on it, for example. In the illustrated embodiment,the end of a winch line extension 510 is connected to the object (e.g.,vehicle 500) to be belayed. From there the winch line extension 510passes through a pulley block 530 connected to the anchor 540 and thento be held by the person(s) 550 doing the belay. The line between theobject being belayed and the pulley block (i.e., the line going into thepulley block from the object being belayed) is first folded to form aloop 520. In FIG. 26, the person 550 has his knee on the line 510 comingout the pulley block 530, and has formed a loop 520 in the line betweenthe object being belayed and the pulley block. As shown in FIG. 27, theloop 520 is passed through the central opening 110 in the device 100,and then (as shown in FIG. 28), the loop 520 is placed behind fingersections 120 b and 120 c and tightened (finger sections 120 a and 120 dcould have been used for this purpose). As shown in FIG. 29, the line510 coming out of the pulley block (i.e., the loose end) is now foldedto form a loop 560, which as shown in FIG. 30 is passed through thecentral opening 110 in the device 100. Loop 560 is wrapped behind fingersections 120 a and 120 d (see FIG. 31), and slack is removed so that thelines are tight against the device 100. The loose end of the line 510that now comes out of the device 100 is held by the person(s) 550. Theperson 550 can slowly let out the line 510 through the device 100 toallow the object being belayed 500 to move away from the anchor 540. Inthe alternative, the object 500 could be held secure from movement bythe person 550 holding the loose end of the line 510 (i.e., the end ofthe line coming out of the device 100) to prevent the object 500 frommoving (e.g., while work was being done on it). The line 510 does notwrap or “bite” on itself. The line can move through the device 100, aspermitted by the person 550. In this sense, the device 100 functions asa friction belay device.

It should be appreciated that the pulley block 530 could alternativelybe connected to the object to be belayed 500 rather than the anchor 540,and also that regardless of the arrangement, either object can bebelayed using the device 100. In fact, it is possible for both objects500 and 540 to be belayed using the device 100 without removing thedevice 100 from its initial set-up. For example, it may be desirable toallow vehicles to controllably roll down opposing sides of a hill. Usinga single set-up of the device 100 between the two vehicles, the twovehicles could be alternately belayed, one and then the other. The firstvehicle is belayed while the second is serving as the anchor, and thenthe second vehicle is belayed while the first is serving as the anchor.Thus, the device 100 according to the invention can be used to belayfrom the pulley block 530 end or the fixed end through the “loose” (550in FIG. 32) end being controlled by a person to pass through the device100.

FIGS. 33-40 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device being used in a method to join lines or winch lineextensions. As shown in FIG. 33, the eye 620 on the end of a winch line(i.e., a winch line eye) is passed through the central opening 110 ofthe device 100 and folded and tightened over the finger sections 120 b,120 c. The winch line eye, which is in the form of a loop, passesthrough each of the gaps 140 a, 140 b, and is drawn tight against thedevice 100. FIG. 34 shows the winch line eye 620 properly installed. Ifthe winch line eye 620 is rubberized (which would prevent it from beingable to slide on the device 100) or if the winch line has a thimble orhook instead of an eye, one can simply fold the winch line into a loopand pass this loop through the central opening in the device and tightenthe loop over the finger sections of the device as shown. Then the endwith the thimble or hook could be tied around the incoming line tofurther secure it from slipping using a half hitch knot. Thus, thedevice 100 can be used to join lines (e.g., join winch lines and/orwinch line extensions) even without there being a spliced eye. As noted,one can create a loop at the end the of the line and pass the loopthrough the central opening of the device as described above, just as ifthe loop was a spliced eye. Then the tail end of the line extending fromthe loop can simply be tied off with several half hitch knots (orsimilar knot), which is what the splice that forms the eye essentiallydoes. So if a line (e.g., a winch line) breaks, the device 100 can beused to: (1) connect the two broken ends of the line (neither of whichhas an eye) in this manner (and because the device 100 can secure thetwo loops separately without a “bight on a bight” the connection betweenthem is strong and can be easily undone again); and (2) to shorten thecombined length of two lines by making a loop in a desired andappropriate place in one or both of the lines, and then tie off asdescribed. Thus, the device 100 can shorten the length of a broken winchline. Multiple devices 100 can be used simultaneously (i.e., it ispossible to use one device 100 to join two broken lines and also useanother device 100 for belaying purposes).

FIG. 35 shows second winch line eye 630 from a second winch line beingbrought to the device 100 to be joined to the first winch line via thedevice 100. The second winch line eye 630 is inserted through thecentral opening of the device 100 as shown in FIG. 36, is wrapped behindthe opposite two finger sections 120 a, 120 d as shown in FIG. 37, andthen drawn tight as shown in FIG. 38. FIGS. 39 and 40 show top andbottom views, respectively, of the two winch lines properly joined tothe device 100.

FIGS. 41-49 are a series of schematic drawings that sequentially showthe inventive device being used in a V-bridle method. In this method andas illustrated in FIG. 41, a relatively short piece of winch line 710(e.g., a safety lanyard that is included as part of a vehicle recoverykit), is connected at each end to spaced-apart recovery points 700 oneither side of a vehicle, thereby spreading the load to two recoverypoints 700 instead of one. Each end of the safety lanyard has splicedeyes, which are formed in the same manner as in the case of winch linesand winch line extensions. A person preferably grasps the center of thewinch line 710 to create an isosceles [two equal sides] triangle. Asshown in FIG. 42, the person creates a loop 720 in the winch line 710and passes this loop 720 through the central opening 110 in the device100 as shown in FIG. 43. The loop 720 is folded behind finger sections120 b, 120 c by passing portions of the loop through gaps 140 a, 140 b,as shown in FIG. 44. Once the loop 720 is properly positioned, slack istaken out of the winch line 710 and the assembly is drawn tight againstthe device 100, as shown in FIG. 45. Next, one takes a winch line eye730 from another winch line 740 (see FIGS. 46-48) and passes the winchline eye 730 through the central opening 110 of the device 100 aspreviously described above. Once installed as show in FIG. 49, thesecond winch line 740 can be used to pull the vehicle to which the firstwinch line 710 is anchored using the V-bridle thus formed. Again, noline is folded over another line, which can cause line failure.

It is also possible to position the device 100 other than at a point inthe winch line 710 that creates an isosceles triangle. This can beuseful when the pull is to be made from a side angle. In this instance,the device 100 is positioned at a point in the winch line 710, whichwill produce a desired pull (i.e., such that roughly equal amounts offorce are applied to both recovery points 700 during the pull from theside). In this manner, the device 100 keeps an “off set V Bridalconfiguration” in the desired location without damage to the winch line710 or recovery points 700 because the device 100 resists movement undertension.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown anddescribed herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for use with one or more lines, saiddevice comprising a unitary rigid body having an annular portionsurrounding a central opening and at least a first finger section thatextends from the annular portion of the rigid body, a second fingersection that extends from the annular portion of the rigid body, a thirdfinger section that extends from the annular portion of the rigid body,and a fourth finger section that extends from the annular portion of therigid body, wherein the first finger section and the second fingersection curve toward each other on one end of the rigid body andterminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap,and wherein the third finger section and the fourth finger section curvetoward each other on an opposite end of the rigid body and terminate inblunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap.
 2. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the device is devoid of sharp edges. 3.The device according to claim 1, wherein the central opening iscircular.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first, second,third and fourth finger sections all have the same dimensions.
 5. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the device has a total of fourfinger sections.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the rigidbody comprises aluminum.
 7. A device for use with one or more lines,said device comprising: a rigid body provided with a central openingthrough which said one or more lines are able to pass; and a pluralityof sections around which said one or more lines are able to be wrapped;wherein at least two of said plurality of sections extend from one endof the rigid body, and wherein at least two other of said plurality ofsections extend from end that is opposite to the one end of the rigidbody.
 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the device is in theform of a unitary rigid body having no moving parts.
 9. The deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the plurality of sections extend from anannular portion of the rigid body that surrounds the central opening.10. The device according to claim 7, wherein the at least two of saidplurality of sections that extend from the one end of the rigid body arein the form of finger sections.
 11. The device according to claim 10,wherein the at least two other of said plurality of sections that extendfrom the end that is opposite to the one end of the rigid body are alsoin the form of finger sections.
 12. The device according to claim 11,wherein all of the finger sections have blunt ends.
 13. The deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein the blunt ends of the finger sectionsthat extend from the one end of the rigid body are curved toward eachother but separated by a gap configured to allow said one or more linesto pass through.
 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the bluntends of the finger sections that extend from the end that is opposite tothe one end of the rigid body are curved toward each other but are alsoseparated by a gap configured to allow said one or more lines to passthrough.
 15. The device according to claim 8, wherein the device isconstructed entirely of metal.
 16. The device according to claim 15,wherein the metal is an aluminum alloy.
 17. The device according toclaim 8, wherein the device is constructed entirely of a non-metalmaterial.
 18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the non-metalmaterial is a polymeric material.
 19. The device according to claim 17,wherein the non-metal material is a carbon fiber composite material. 20.The device according to claim 7, wherein the device is devoid of sharpedges.